The 2012 Democratic Platform, page 63, dealing with Israel and the Middle East.

I’ve been beating on President Obama so much lately that I’ve been accused of being, God forbid, a Republican.

My pro-Obama friends have told me over and over that the president is pro-Israel, and they quote administration spokespersons about the relationship being closer than ever, and they quote the president’s comments about the “unbreakable bond” and about “having Israel’s back.”

They tell me that nothing’s changed, that this administration is as pro-Israel as any previous one, Democratic or Republican, and I needn’t fear that a reelected President Obama will punish Israel.

Several pro-Israel sections of the 2008 Democratic Party platform have been removed from the 2012 platform—on Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, and Hamas. The new platform represents another shift by the Obama Democrats toward the Palestinian position on key issues in the peace process.

For Jerusalem, the new platform has been brought into line with the Obama administration’s policy of not recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and supporting its division. Jerusalem is unmentioned in the 2012 document, whereas the 2008 and 2004 Democratic Party platforms declared “Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel…It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.” The Obama administration’s refusal to recognize Jerusalem has been a point of significant controversy in recent months.

On the issue of Palestinian refugees, the new document has removed language from the 2004 and 2008 platforms specifying that Palestinian “refugees” should be settled in a future Palestinian state, not in Israel.

The 2004 platform: “The creation of a Palestinian state should resolve the issue of Palestinian refugees by allowing them to settle there, rather than in Israel.”

The 2008 platform: The peace process “should resolve the issue of Palestinian refugees by allowing them to settle there, rather than in Israel.”

The 2012 platform contains no language on the matter.

Previously, Obama has incorporated the Palestinian positions on Jerusalem and borders into his administration’s policies. It appears that with his party’s new platform, he is also doing so with refugees.

Gone as well is the language from 2008 on the terrorist group Hamas, which currently controls the Gaza Strip. That platform declared, “The United States and its Quartet partners should continue to isolate Hamas until it renounces terrorism, recognizes Israel’s right to exist, and abides by past agreements.”

The 2012 platform contains no mention of Hamas.

Previous platforms also contained promises to maintain Israel’s “qualitative military edge” in the region. The 2008 platform, for example, spoke of a “commitment which requires us to ensure that Israel retains a qualitative edge for its national security and its right to self-defense.” The 2012 platform mentions only that “[t]he administration has also worked to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region,” with no commitment to doing so in the future.

There is no question of pro-GOP journalistic spin here. These are entirely objective comparisons that anyone can verify.

If you are a Democrat who cares about Israel’s survival — yes, it is that critical — while opposing Romney-Ryan for other reasons, you have a very difficult choice to make in November.

Just don’t make it on the basis of the reassuring lies the Obama campaign is telling about his commitment to Israel.

About the Author:Vic Rosenthal created FresnoZionism.org to provide a forum for publishing and discussing issues about Israel and the Mideast conflict, especially where there is a local connection. Rosenthal believes that America’s interests are best served by supporting the democratic state of Israel, the front line in the struggle between Western civilization and radical Islam. The viewpoint is not intended to be liberal or conservative — just pro-Israel.

The author's opinion does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Jewish Press.

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Imported and Older Comments:

Mr Rosenthal, I read your blog every day which I receive by e-mail. I often forward it to friends & family in America. You're doing a great job, keep up the good work, it's very much appreciated.
I read this particular post last night – in my opinion, this is a very ominous sign of things to come. A second Obama term will be a disaster for Israel.
American Jews who vote for this Leftist moron Muslim Brotherhood stooge Obama are at best, fools.

I couldn't say it better myself! I am an American, White Jewish, middle aged, single woman….I fit that unfortunate Obama- supporting demographic!!! I am definitely NOT voting for him, nor is my 84 year old Mom's either! We are too well-informed!
We have watch his action over the last 4 years, not listen his words!
I believe we all learn what our upbringing teaches us.
YOU need only read about Obama's upbringing, his mentors, and the people he surrounded himself with now, that molded his ideology that we see by his actions today.
One of my son's is in Israel right now, staying with family. I have another son active duty in the US.Navy. It still bothers me to this day that are Commander in Chief couldn't pronounce the word "Corpsman" correctly…not once but twice!!!
My family all support of our beloved Israel 200%!
I pray every day that this latest incident will awaken the Jewishness
in our fellow Jewish Americans!! We can all have discussions on social issues and the economy. But, the window of opportunity to support Israel, with regard to Iran is closing on its Nuclear threats is perilously close! We can't afford to get this wrong!!!!!
ALL American Jews, Christians and other friends to Israel need to stand up and have their voices and support heard for Israel NOW!!!

Keep up the good work Terry!
You now have a new reader in me!
Warm Regards, Lynn Welt